Skip to content

Can You Kill Bears In Washington State

Black bear are classified as a game animal in the state (WAC 232-12-007) and approximately 1,440 bears are harvested per year [Note: it is illegal to kill a grizzly bear in Washington State unless in self-defense or defense of other people.]

In general, black bears are strongly associated with forest cover, but they do occasionally use relatively open country, such as clearcuts and the fringes of other open habitat. To hunt bear in Washington, you must purchase a big-game license that includes bear.

RCW 77.15.245 Unlawful practices — Black bear baiting — Exceptions — Illegal hunting — Use of dogs — Exceptions — Penalties. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 77.12.240, 77.36.030, or any other provisions of law, it is unlawful to take, hunt, or attract black bear with the aid of bait.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) estimates their population to be about 25,000 statewide. In the past 100 years, there has been one fatal black bear attack in Washington. Cougars: One of the most feared wild animals in the entire state. Local tales sometimes tell of school children being picked off at the bus stop.

Can you hunt black bears in Washington?

Black bears have been classified as a game animal in Washington since 1969. A special spring bear season was established in 1973 in areas deemed “bear timber damaged areas,” with the season running from April to June.

Can you hunt grizzly bears in Washington State?

They are a game species and are hunted annually. In any given year, approximately 29,000 hunters take about 1,300 black bears. Grizzly bears are a federally threatened and state-listed endangered species. Killing one, either unintentionally or intentionally, can bring extremely costly fines and penalties.

Can I kill a black bear on my property?

In California, it’s illegal to shoot a black bear because they’re considered a game mammal and require permission to kill.

Is killing a bear legal?

The animal is considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act and federal law allows people to kill grizzlies only in certain situations. Those situations are when the bear is threatening you. “It is legal under the law to defend yourself from a grizzly bear,” says Joan Jewett.

Are bear attacks common in Washington State?

We have only had 14 reported bear attacks and one fatality in Washington State, but with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife estimating a population of 20,000 to 25,000 black bears and grizzly bears gaining a foothold in the northeastern part of the state, bear attacks are a possibility.

Are there grizzly bears in Washington State if so where?

Grizzly bears once occurred in most of Washington, but are now restricted to remote areas of the Selkirk Mountains and certain places near the northern border of Washington between these two ecosystems. These areas support the best remaining seclusion habitat in the state.

Where can I see bears in Washington?

The Enchanted Valley itself, 13 miles from the trailhead at Graves Creek, is possibly the best place to see bears in the state. The second best place would be the Seven Lakes Basin, followed by other areas around the Olympics – I have seen bears in Royal Basin, Grand Lake, Elwha Valley, and the Hoh.

How common are bears in Washington?

The statewide black bear population in Washington likely ranges between 25,000 and 30,000 animals. As human populations encroach on bear habitat, people and bears have greater chances of encountering each other.

More Answers On Can you kill bears in washington state

Black bear | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Most confrontations with bears are the result of attractants like garbage and bird feeders. In the wilderness, it is recommended that people make noise as they travel to avoid surprising a bear at close range. All bears should be given plenty of respect and room to retreat without feeling threatened. Description and Range Regulations

Group sues Washington Fish and Wildlife over bear killings

Washington voters approved two initiatives in 1996 and 2000, which together banned the use of bait, hounds and body-gripping traps to kill bears. The initiatives, however, allowed certain…

Where are bears in Washington state? – AskingLot.com

Black bear are classified as a game animal in the state (WAC 232-12-007) and approximately 1,440 bears are harvested per year [Note: it is illegal to kill a grizzly bear in Washington State unless in self-defense or defense of other people.] Are there bears near Seattle? Yes, they live here.

PDF

Mortality and Longevity • Other than humans, black bears have few predators— cougars, bobcats, and coyotes attack cubs if given the opportunity. Male bears may eat cubs. • In the year 2005 hunters harvested 1,333 black bear in Washington. • Female black bears have the potential to live into their mid 20s.

RCW 77.15.245: Unlawful practices—Black bear baiting … – Wa

(a) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the killing of black bear with the aid of bait by employees or agents of county, state, or federal agencies while acting in their official capacities for the purpose of protecting livestock, domestic animals, private property, or the public safety.

RCW 77.36.030: Trapping or killing wildlife threatening human safety or …

(1) subject to limitations and conditions established by the commission, the owner, the owner’s immediate family member, the owner’s documented employee, or a tenant of real property may trap, consistent with rcw 77.15.194, or kill wildlife that is threatening human safety or causing property damage on that property, without the licenses required …

Prohibited Hunting Methods – Washington Hunting | eRegulations

You may not hunt wildlife during any modern firearm deer or elk season, with any firearm .24 caliber or larger or containing slugs or buckshot for big game, unless you have a valid license, permit and tag for one of the following: deer, elk, black bear, cougar, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, or moose.

Illegal animals | Washington State Department of Agriculture

It is illegal to own animals that can cause damage to the enviroment or to native wildlife. For questions concerning the deleterious exotic wildlife law please visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Some of the animals illegal to own under this law are: Mute swans Mongoose Wild boar Javelina Wild goats Wild sheep Wildebeests Reindeer

The Most Dangerous Animals in Washington – Living Snoqualmie

Nov 1, 2020According to the CDC, Washington State isn’t the state in which you are MOST likely to be killed by an animal. That honor goes to Montana. But it isn’t the LEAST likely either; that prize goes to Massachusetts. We fall somewhere in the middle. Surely with all our wild spaces and animals, our deadliest animal has got to be a bear or wolf, right?

Discover the Most Dangerous (Deadliest!) Animals in Washington State

Jun 2, 2022Carrying bear spray when you are in bear country can help keep you safer. Black bears: Black bears are common throughout Washington and can be found in the coastal forests and in the Cascade Mountains. There are nearly 25,000-30,000 bears in the state. Black bears are smaller than Grizzlies and less aggressive but they can attack if they are …

Black Bear Legal Status & Management – Western Wildlife Outreach

As stated on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website, a hunting license and open season are required to hunt black bears. A property owner or the owner’s immediate family, employee, or tenant may kill a bear on that property if it is damaging crops or domestic animals.

Washington state court rules against black bear hunting permits

Nov 2, 2020WDFW reported that the state has a thriving black bear population of up to 30,000 bears, according to court documents. In 2018 alone, it issued 85 permits to kill bears damaging trees.

Court rules Washington state exceeded authority with controversial bear …

Oct 29, 2020Washington voters outlawed hunting bears with hounds and bait in 1996 with I-655, and in 2000, limited traps with I-713. But a loophole allowed the practices in some situations to address bears …

Washington judge: Tree-peeling bears can be killed | Rural Life …

OLYMPIA — A Washington judge Friday reinstated a Fish and Wildlife program that allows timberland owners to kill tree-damaging black bears.

Can you kill bears in Pennsylvania? – Hunt invitation

While the regular firearms season is over, hunters will have a late season. In much of the state, they can hunt bears again between Monday and Friday. The harvest so far lags last year’s record of 4,653 bears. Deer season for hunters with regular firearms kicked off Saturday. Is it legal to hunt and kill bears?

How to Safely Go Bear Spotting in Washington – The Mountaineers

Mostly to protect the bears. But it’s really no secret – the two best places to see bears are in the Olympics. The most reliable place to spot them is in the Enchanted Valley and the trail that leads into it. After the first 7-8 miles on the trail, it’s not uncommon to start seeing a bear or two. The Enchanted Valley itself, 13 miles from …

Is it legal to kill rabbits in Washington state?

The white-tailed jackrabbit and black-tailed jackrabbit are Species of Concern and a special permit is required to kill them in damage situations. It is unlawful to release wildlife anywhere within the state, other than on the property where it was legally trapped, without a permit to do so (RCW 77.15. Click to see full answer.

Court case question: When are you allowed to kill a bear? – nj

In addition, the state Game Code also requires a bear hunting license to shoot bears and limits hunters to killing one bear a year. Ehling also was cited for having a loaded weapon within 450 feet …

Staying Safe in Bear Country: Bear Spray & Firearms

When a bear attacks or charges you, spray a cloud between you and the bear, and be ready to spray multiple times or empty the can. Point the canister at a slight downward angle and fire toward the bear. Strong winds will affect spray distance and direction. Snow, rain, and cold weather will decrease spray distance. Always be upwind if possible.

Don’t lose sleep over bear attacks – The Seattle Times

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife’s record of bear encounters lists 14 cases in which a person was injured and one death. Nationally, hornets, wasps and bees were responsible …

Washington Laws Make It Illegal to Kill Bigfoot, If He Exists

In 1969, Skamania County created ordinance 1969-01, a law that banned people from killing Bigfoot, should they ever find it. If they did, it would be considered a felony and the killer would be charged with five years in prison. Originally, it may have been meant as a joke, as the Board of County Commissioners created the ordinance on April 1 …

What Dog Can Kill A Bear? – thepupcrawl.com

Mar 21, 2022Yes, Karelian bear dogs are so named because they can, in fact, kill bears. Karelians can kill a bear since they are extraordinary at chasing other animals. Since bears run faster than dogs, it can be difficult for other breeds to catch one, let alone kill it.

Man faces charges for killing bear in backyard to protect dog

The man, who has not been identified, is facing several charges after shooting a bear that came into his backyard and encountered his dog. Neighbors said the man put his dog in the backyard on …

Court Invalidates Use of Bait, Hounds by Private Hunters to Kill …

Oct 27, 2020OLYMPIA, Wash.— In response to a lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, an appellate court ruled today that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife can no longer issue permits to private hunters to use bait and hounds to kill black bears on timberlands. “This ruling is a big win for Washington’s black bears,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director …

When Are You Allowed to Kill a Grizzly? – Animals

There are 700 grizzly bears in Yellowstone. As of now, there are only two reasons you’re allowed to shoot them in the region. (Hunting grizzly bears in Alaska is currently allowed because …

Timber Corporations Can Keep Killing Bears, Judge Rules

OLYMPIA, Wash. (CN) – Washington state’s rules allowing corporate timberlands to use traps, bait and dogs to kill bears are legal, a judge ruled Friday, even though voters banned those exact methods decades ago. In the early spring, black bears emerge from hibernation, ravenous. Most of the plants they eat are still in their own winter sleep.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Washington – Living Snoqualmie

Bears: Arguably, the most locally discussed animal. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) estimates their population to be about 25,000 statewide. In the past 100 years, there has been one fatal black bear attack in Washington. Cougars: One of the most feared wild animals in the entire state.

Discover the Most Dangerous (Deadliest!) Animals in Washington State

Carrying bear spray when you are in bear country can help keep you safer. Black bears: Black bears are common throughout Washington and can be found in the coastal forests and in the Cascade Mountains. There are nearly 25,000-30,000 bears in the state. Black bears are smaller than Grizzlies and less aggressive but they can attack if they are …

Man in Washington State Survives 2nd Bear Attack in 4 Years

A Washington man who asked to be identified by the name Bob shows the wounds from a bear attack he survived on April 16, 2015. KOMO — — A man in Washington state has been attacked by a bear …

RCW 77.15.194: Unlawful traps—Penalty. – Wa

Unlawful traps — Penalty. (1) It is unlawful to use or authorize the use of any steel-jawed leghold trap, neck snare, or other body-gripping trap to capture any mammal for recreation or commerce in fur. (2) It is unlawful to knowingly buy, sell, barter, or otherwise exchange, or offer to buy, sell, barter, or otherwise exchange the raw fur of …

Resource

https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/ursus-americanus
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/group-sues-washington-fish-and-wildlife-over-bear-killings/
https://askinglot.com/where-are-bears-in-washington-state
https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/00606/wdfw00606.pdf
https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=77.15.245
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.36.030
https://www.eregulations.com/washington/hunting/prohibited-hunting-methods/
https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-health/import-requirements/illegal-animals
https://livingsnoqualmie.com/the-most-dangerous-animals-in-washington/
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-the-most-dangerous-deadliest-animals-in-washington-state/
https://westernwildlife.org/black-bear-ursus-americanus/status-management/
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/washington-state-court-rules-against-black-bear-hunting-permits
https://www.king5.com/article/tech/science/environment/court-rules-state-exceeded-authority-with-controversial-bear-hunting-program/281-9b0c8463-e89d-482a-afc3-a5681da79289
https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/rurallife/washington-judge-tree-peeling-bears-can-be-killed/article_60b186a6-bd18-11e9-975e-b7c59bf2a602.html
https://demersus.net/recipes/can-you-kill-bears-in-pennsylvania.html
https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/how-to-safely-go-bear-spotting-in-washington
https://askinglot.com/is-it-legal-to-kill-rabbits-in-washington-state
https://www.nj.com/news/2015/10/what_do_you_do_when_a_bear_tries_to_get_in_your_ho.html
https://www.nps.gov/articles/bearsprayfirearms.htm
https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/dont-lose-sleep-over-bear-attacks-its-bees-dogs-that-cause-most-animal-deaths/
https://www.thisoldcity.com/washington-laws-make-it-illegal-to-kill-bigfoot-if-he-exists/
https://thepupcrawl.com/what-dog-can-kill-a-bear/
https://kdvr.com/news/man-faces-charges-for-killing-bear-in-backyard-to-protect-his-dog/
https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/court-invalidates-use-of-bait-hounds-by-private-hunters-to-kill-washingtons-bears-on-timberlands-2020-10-27/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/160503-scarface-grizzly-bear-yellowstone-endangered-species-act
https://www.courthousenews.com/timber-corporations-can-keep-killing-bears-judge-rules/
https://livingsnoqualmie.com/the-most-dangerous-animals-in-washington/
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-the-most-dangerous-deadliest-animals-in-washington-state/
https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-washington-state-survives-2nd-bear-attack-years/story?id=30502161
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.194